Effects of Pravastatin on Kidney Outcomes in Adults With ADPKD

Previous research by Berenice Y. Gitomer, PhD, and colleagues showed that pravastatin could slow the rate of increase in height-adjusted total kidney volume (HtTKV) in children 3 years and older and young adults with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). In a new study, they wanted to determine whether the same benefits would occur in adults.

The researchers conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients with ADPKD and preserved kidney function. Their findings were presented in a poster shared at ASN Kidney Week 2024. The poster was titled Effect of Pravastatin on Kidney Disease Outcomes in Adult Patients With Early-Stage Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease.

The study participants comprised 150 patients aged 25-60 years (mean age 40±10 years) with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 ml/min/1.73m². Sixty-five participants were female. The participants were randomized to receive either 40 mg/day pravastatin or placebo over two years. Patients with baseline and two-year data were included in the analyses.

The primary outcome of the study was the annual percentage change in HtTKV. Secondary outcomes included the annual rate of mGFR decline and the change in renal blood flow. The researchers used magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate total kidney volume and magnetic resonance angiography to determine renal blood flow. They measured kidney function with iothalamate (mGFR) and used a cystatin-based equation for estimating.

A total of 138 patients completed the study, 11 withdrew, and one was excluded from the analyses. No significant differences were observed in HtTKV changes, kidney function, or renal blood flow between patients in the pravastatin and placebo groups who completed the study, nor did pravastatin affect the rate of cyst growth. The researchers noted that, “The minimal effects on renal blood flow observed in the study are consistent with the known effect of statins on the vasculature.”

Source: Gitomer BY, Wang W,  Ostrow A, et al. Effect of pravastatin on kidney disease outcomes in adult patients with early-stage autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. TH-PO1198. Abstract of a poster presented at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week 2024; October 24, 2024; San Diego, California.